I’m so glad I didn’t allow the high prices of Montessori materials and toys to deter me from learning about the philosophy of Montessori because there is far more to Montessori than toys. Montessori materials and toys can get pricey and I will discuss why that is the case, but there are ways to pay less so don’t allow this to discourage you.
We also need to touch on what a Montessori toy is and isn’t to help you to invest in quality materials and not fall for false advertising.
8 Reasons Montessori Toys Cost More
Before we address all the reasons that contribute to the cost of Montessori materials and toys, I feel it’s necessary to look at the wording used to advertise products. These are the terms you might see online and this is what they mean.
- Montessori Materials – Materials designed by Dr Maria Montessori for use in a Montessori classroom
- Montessori Toys/Montessori-Friendly toys/Montessori inspired toys – These terms usually refer to toys that would be in alignment with the Montessori philosophy and will be suited in a Montessori home environment.
*Technically no toys are Montessori because they would not be found in a Montessori classroom and have not been designed by Maria Montessori.
It is also very important to keep in mind that the name ‘Montessori’ is not trademarked, so it can be used incorrectly. This is why it is so important to know what Montessori is truly about so you can spot false advertising and avoid wasting your money.
Now let’s get into why Montessori Materials and toys are so expensive.
1. They are made from wood
Using wood as a material usually drives up the price if you compare it to the cost of plastic. Wood is expensive and needs special processes to prepare it as well as skilled labor to use it. The choice of wood further drives up the shipping price due to the higher weight of the toy. The payoff is the beauty and durability you get from using wood.
2. They are not mass produced
Most wooden toys are produced in smaller quantities and not on a cheap production line. They are not made by machines but instead by artisans who put them together by hand. This drives up the price because it takes longer to build and the skilled labor is more expensive.
3. They are made to last
I’m sure we’ve all experienced the frustration of buying a toy that breaks within the first few days of being played with. Even if it was cheap, it still feels like such a waste of money, right? This is what you pay for when you buy a quality toy. It can last a lifetime! Or at least survive more than one child.
4. They offer more developmental benefits
Montessori materials, specifically, are the product of incredibly intelligent design. This (understandably) contributes to the price. You are paying for the skills they help build. I wrote all about what makes Montessori activities special in this article
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5. They are designed to be beautiful
You might think that beauty is not important when it comes to toys, but there are so many benefits of introducing these concepts to our children from a young age. Children appreciate beauty just as much as adults. It largely influences which toys they decide to play with.
6. They offer more oppertunity for creativity
Most toys that are in line with the Montessori philosophy can be described as open-ended toys. This means that they do not dictate to the child how to be played with and instead offer a multitude of different options. The child is left to be the creator of their own play. This is invaluable and also contributes to the duration and level of engagement with a toy. Open-ended toys are enjoyed forever because the ways to play with them are infinite.
7. They are an investment
Less is more. You don’t have to be a minimalist to experience the truth of this expression. When you buy quality toys that your children never tire of, you don’t need to buy so many. You are saving money and time while still getting more enjoyment out of the toys. Your house is less cluttered and there’s less to tidy up. What more do you want?
Please read my article on Toy rotation where I give you 5 steps to achieve a calm and clutter-free home while ensuring your children engage meaningfully with their toys.
8. They convey abstract concepts
One of the most defining characteristics of any Montessori material is their ability to teach without an adult intervening and correcting. They teach abstract concepts like mathematics, by involving the child’s senses. You can see this when you look at all the sensorial materials (Pink Tower, Geometric Solids, etc.). These materials do double/triple duty of really helping your child understand concepts like volume, weight, and dimensions to name a few.
How to save money on Montessori toys and materials?
Authentic Montessori materials and Montessori-inspired toys are worth the initial investment, but that doesn’t mean you have to pay full price. There are ways to buy quality and keep within your budget.
1. Buy used toys
This might sound strange but you will be pleasantly surprised to see what is on offer in terms of quality second-hand Montessori materials and toys. Because these materials last so long they are still in good condition after being used. Look on Facebook Marketplace for Montessori materials in your area.
2. Share a toy subscription with a friend
Toy subscriptions can be a wonderful way to acquire new (age-appropriate) materials without having to search for each item. They take the thinking (and doubt) out of the selection process and companies like Monti Kids have the knowledge and expertise to put together materials that make sense for each age. They can be pricey, though. But if you share a subscription with a friend (or two) you will save big!
3. Make your own Montessori materials
There are millions of brilliant Montessori DIY ideas on Pinterest. You don’t have to spend a fortune and you can recycle at the same time! There are also a plethora of free Montessori resources online, check out this website (One Community Global) where you can find links to the most helpful Montessori resources available like printables, lesson plans, and instructional videos. You can also get a good idea about the basics of Montessori education on this site. Just scroll to the bottom to view the lesson plans and resources.
4. Start a toy swap
If you don’t have any toy swap meets or toy exchanges in your area, start your own. If you have a group of friends (perhaps some like-minded moms from school or other extramural activities) you can arrange to get together and bring your toys that your child has outgrown. Here’s an article by The Spruce that shows you how to organize one of these events.